The Blue Jackets aren’t here to mess around this offseason. After acquiring Jeff Carter from Philadelphia, they dealt for the rights to Montreal defenseman James Wisniewski to see if they could lock down the power play useful blue liner. Today, the Jackets and GM Scott Howson were able nail down a monster deal for the six year NHL veteran signing him to a six-year, $33 million deal.

Wisniewski’s deal comes in at a cap hit of $5.5 million per year for the next six years and for a guy who had his first real offensive breakout season last year scoring ten goals and adding 41 assists, he’s cashing in when the market was ripest for him. With solid free agent defensive choices being minimal on the open market, Wisniewski’s stock was at its highest. The Blue Jackets knew this right away and set their sights on him acquiring his rights to negotiate with him. It paid off for Columbus and it has more than paid off now for Wisniewski as he’s one of the best paid blue liners in the league.

While that might be upsetting for some fans who might not believe he’s worth the money, the market dictates the price and for Wisniewski it works out great. Known for his physical game as well as his offensive touch as well, he’ll be an immediate asset for the Blue Jackets on the power play. Teamed up with Carter and Rick Nash the Jackets will look to improve their numbers on the man advantage in a big way. Last season the Jackets had the second worst power play in the NHL scoring at a 14% rate.

The pressure will now be on in a big way for the Blue Jackets. After years of mediocre play they’re going to have to find a way to make their mark in the Central Division this year and cut into Detroit and Chicago’s winning ways as well as dealing with a feisty Nashville team. With the two additions they’ve made, things are getting better faster for Columbus. They’ll have to hope coach Scott Arniel can help put things together in a big way to turn things around for the better in Ohio.